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Zumba studio to host a cancer walk

By Lindsay Carey
Staff Writer
Cardio Party Fitness Studios in Southington is hosting its second annual “Walk for a Cure” on Sunday, Oct. 19.
This year, the 5-K walk will start at the Southington Volunteer Fire Dept., Engine Co, No. 3 at 35 Clark St., in Milldale.
Cardio Party Fitness Studios Owner Sandra Dizenzo said that she decided to host this event last year, because she has been personally affected by cancer. Dizenzo lost both of her parents to the disease.
This year’s walk will be dedicated to her parents Ernest Plourde and Debra Plourde, as well as Lena Plourde, Tony Vecchio, Claire DiCenzo and Southington police officer Michael Shanley, who recently passed away.
“Michael Shanley was a dear friend,” said Dizenzo. “It’s a cause that’s close to my heart. I dedicate it to those that we lost, but also to anyone who is battling.”
Donations will be accepted at the walk and will go directly to the American Cancer Society.
Dizenzo said that she is hoping that this year even more people come to the event, so that more money will go towards finding a cure.
“It’s good to come together as a community for something bigger than ourselves and raise money for a good cause,” said Dizenzo.
Other than walking, Dizenzo has some additional activities in mind for the event.
As a Zumba studio instructor, Dizenzo said that she may start the event with some music to get everyone warmed up and excited for the walk.
She is also planning on having a crafts table for the kids, so that they can make cut out angels and decorate them in memory of someone who passed away from the disease or for a loved one who is still battling cancer.
Dizenzo said that the kids will be free to take their angels home with them or they can give them to her so she can hang them in her studio.
One thing that will remain the same from last year is Dizenzo’s request that everyone wears pink in honor of breast cancer awareness month.
“Since it’s breast cancer awareness month, I think a lot of people are more willing to take a stand, make a donation and come and walk,” said Dizenzo. “It’s on their mind, they’re conscious of it.”

Last year’s participants gather for a photo outside following the event.